About
The Eats and Beats festival in Newcastle is a celebration of food and music that brings together the best of both worlds. From delicious local cuisine to live performances by some of the hottest acts around, this festival is a must-see event for anyone who loves great food and great music.
'Eats and Beats' Festival on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September 2023. A FREE event in Newcastle, County Down.
As one of the largest festivals of its kind in the region, Eats and Beats draws thousands of visitors each year who come to sample the incredible food and soak up the festive atmosphere. Whether you're a foodie looking to try something new or a music lover in search of your next favorite band, this festival has something for everyone.
With its stunning coastal setting, Newcastle provides the perfect backdrop for this vibrant event. From the charming streets of the town to the rugged beauty of the nearby mountains, there's no shortage of picturesque views to enjoy. And with dozens of food vendors and musical acts on hand, there's always something new and exciting to discover.
So if you're looking for a fun-filled weekend that combines great food, fantastic music, and beautiful scenery, be sure to check out the Eats and Beats festival in Newcastle, County Down. It's a one-of-a-kind event that's sure to leave you with lasting memories and a full stomach!
FAQs
What is the Eats & Beats Festival?
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, Eats & Beats is a free two-day food and music festival that takes place in Newcastle, County Down.
Find out more about the festival here.
When is the Eats & Beats Festival in Newcastle?
The Eats & Beats festival takes place on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August in Donard Park, Newcastle, County Down.
What is happening at Eats & Beats Festival?
Eats & Beats is a two-day free food and music festival in Newcastle. So, if you're looking for a fun-filled weekend that combines great food, fantastic music, and beautiful scenery; this is a weekend not to be missed.
This family friendly event provides the best in local food. Visitors can enjoy delicious fare at the Producers Pavilion (sponsored by Lexus Belfast) with over twenty Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland food producers.
There will be a range of cooking demonstrations over the two days celebrating the finest artisan local produce that the region is renowned for.
The food village in Donard Park will also host 35 food stalls, as well as Newcastle town’s wide selection of independent restaurants, coffee shops and food outlets to suit a range of needs.
As if that isn’t enough, music lovers can dance their way around two music stages, which will offer free live performances on the Homegrown and World Stages over the weekend’s festivities.
Find out more about the festival here.
Do you need to buy a ticket for Eats & Beats?
The Eats & Beats festival is free to attend.
What food producers will be at the Food Pavilion?
The Producers Pavilion (sponsored by Lexus Belfast) will host 20 food producers from across the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion as well as Northern Ireland. All products produced within the pavilion have an average of a 20-mile menu.
There you will find the finest food and drink experiences on show from the likes of Savour Visit Mourne’s Killeavy Castle, Mourne Food Adventures and Neary Nogs.
There’ll be a tipple or two on offer from our local distilleries and craft breweries - from gin, whiskey, and the very best beers from the likes of Killowen Distillery, Mourne Dew Distillery and Whitewater Brewery.
Find out more about Food Pavilion here.
Who will be participating in the cooking demonstrations?
Using locally sourced ingredients, there will be a weekend of Cooking Demonstrations in the Food Pavilion (sponsored by Lexus Belfast).
What food stalls will be on offer?
There will be a food village with 35 vendors located at Donard Park. Newcastle town also has a range of independent restaurants, coffee shops and food outlets to suit a range of needs.
Find out more about the food stalls here.
What bands and musicians are playing at the Eats & Beats Festival?
The weekend’s soundtrack will be played out across two stages from the best in local and international musicians and bands. Expect a mix of rock, gospel, folk, country, blues, and punk from musical talent across the island of Ireland.
On the Homegrown stage in Donard Park its two day line-up will see incredible music from the likes of The Answer, Ryan McMullan, Lemonade Shoelace, Ria Maguire, and Belfast’s very own Brian Kennedy who is sure to add to the festival atmosphere.
Anyone looking for something different can lose yourself in the Basork Balkan Alien Sound and the unmissable sounds of the Streetwise Circus Samba Band. The Reverend Doc & The Flying Squad and Mirenda Rosenberg will also take to the World Stage over the two-day event.
Find out more about the full music line-up here.
Will the Sustainability Teepee be at the event this year?
This year will also see the return of the Sustainability Teepee and village within the World Section.
Exhibitors include:
Ulster Wildlife Trust
Ark Community Gardens (Social Farm)
New Leaf Compost
Greenhill YMCA (scavenger hunt activity)
Citizen Sea (sea bin demonstration)
ARC 21
Council Sustainability table
Planning Your Trip
How do I get to the Eats & Beats festival?
The Eats & Beats festival is being held in Newcastle, County Down. Directions on getting here can be found below.
Newcastle is just 55 minutes’ drive from Belfast and a little over an hour from Dublin.
Situated to the north of Newry City, whatever way you travel to Newcastle, by plane, train, boat, bus or car, for more information on getting to the event, click here.
What is the closest bus or train station?
The bus station in Newcastle has direct routes from the Europa Bus Station in Belfast, making travelling to the festival all that easier.
If you’re travelling from Dublin it couldn’t be easier too with regular train and bus routes operating daily to Newry city and then take a connection to Newcastle.
For more information on Translink timetables and fares please visit www.translink.co.uk or call the Contact Centre on (028) 90 66 66 30.
For more information on getting around, click here.
I’m travelling by car, where can I park?
For visitors travelling to Newcastle, a Park and Ride will operate from the Northfield site on the A50 Castlewellan Road on both days.
There will be a Park & Ride from the Northfield site on the A50 Castlewellan Road: just follow the signs on approach. Shuttle buses will operate from 10am – 9pm.
Street parking is available in Newcastle. Details of charged and non-charged car parking can be found here.
Will there be accessible parking?
Accessible street parking is available. More information can be found here
Is there accommodation nearby?
There are a range of accommodation options available from family friendly hotels and B&Bs to self-catering and caravan parks. Click here for more information.
Accessibility
Is the festival accessible and wheelchair friendly?
Yes. The Eats and Beats Festival takes place in Donard Park and the adjoining playing pitch. The three festival main entrances and surface are suitable for all mobile aids. Festival Stewards and Volunteers on site are happy to assist with assistance to make everyone's stay enjoyable.
Will there be toilets and changing places onsite?
There are public toilets located in Donard Park and Accessaloo will be located across the site.
There are also a range of public toilets in Newcastle town centre. Click here for more information on location and opening times.
For more information, download our handy map here.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are permitted, but we ask that they always remain on a lead.
What is your environmental policy?
We’re committed to running a sustainable event that minimises any negative impact on the environment, and we encourage visitors to help too! Brought to life through the local music performances and food as well as eco-friendly packaging for products on site, read more about the Council’s Sustainable Development here.
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